SPECIFIC INFECTIONS OF THE PHARYNX

AFFECTIONS OF THE TONGUE

Three conditions of the tongue may be briefly mentioned. Macroglossia is a
congenital enlargement of the tongue resulting in it being bitten by the child's
teeth with a rawness of its edges. No treatment is required unless there is
considerable overgrowth when surgical trimming may be needed. Geo-
graphical tongue is a condition of unknown aetiology in which the dorsum
displays convoluted patterns. No treatment is necessary, and the condition
may resolve spontaneously. Black hairy tongue is also of unknown aetiology.
Hypertrophy of the filiform papillae is unsightly and causes distress to the
patient, but it requires no treatment except reassurance.

Ill